Erie Co. Sheriff's Deputy Charged With DWI | News

Title (Max 100 Characters)

AMHERST, N.Y. - An off-duty Erie County Sheriff's Deputy faces multiple charges after police say he struck and injured a motorcyclist while intoxicated.

The accident happened on Sheridan Drive westbound at the Bailey Avenue intersection around 4:07 a.m. Saturday.

Amherst Police say Michael E. Haug, 28, of Kenmore, rear-ended a motorcyclist that was stopped at a red light.

The motorcyclist, 37-year-old Daniel J. Colosimo of Tonawanda, was instantly thrown from his bike and suffered head injuries. He was taken to ECMC and is listed in critical condition.

Police say Haug refused a breathalyzer test. A judge ordered a mandatory blood draw due to the severity of the accident. The results have been sent to the Erie County Lab. He was arraigned this morning and is being held on $25,000 bail.

A Sheriff's spokesperson says that if he is unable to meet his bail, he will be held at a nearby county jail instead of the Erie County Holding Center due to his familiarity with the facilities.

Haug has been suspended without pay immediately pending the outcome of both the criminal and administrative investigations. He has served on the force for five-and-a-half years.

The Sheriff's Office is fully cooperating with the Amherst Police and the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call (716) 689-1311.